Florida State University is planning to increase its tuition rates. FSU Trustees approved the hikes despite dissenting votes from four members of the board including the student body president.
FSU Trustees approved an overall 1.7 percent cost of living increase that’s mandated in state law. FSU plans to use half of the money generated from the increase for financial aid. President Eric Barron says using the money for need based aid follows the spirit of the legislature’s tuition increase.
“We are following the spirit of what the Governor has asked us to do and that is to make sure this university stays accessible," he said.
But in a statement the Governor said he stands behind his opposition to tuition increases and will veto them again next year.
“For many students, an increase in tuition means an increase in the debt burden they will carry. This increase comes at a time when interest rates on student loans are scheduled to double next month," Scott said.
“I would like to thank several FSU trustee members including Student Government Association President Rosalia Contreras, Joseph Gruters, Emily Fleming Duda and Brent Sembler for taking a stand against raising tuition on Florida families. While their efforts did not prevail, I appreciate them joining the fight to keep tuition low for Florida families, while ensuring strong, job-generating academic programs at our state’s universities".
FSU’s move comes a day after Florida A & M University Trustees approved two out of four proposed fee increases.
